Ulster Unionist Councillor Sam Nicholson has voiced his disgust at sectarian chants clearly audible during Armagh Junior Camogie team celebrations following their All Ireland win over Cavan.
Ulster Unionist Cllr Sam Nicholson said:
“There is no doubt this was a great sporting achievement by the team and it deserved an evening of celebrations by the team who had just recorded an historic win in Cavan.
“However, the blatant glorification of terrorism which was broadcast across social media in the celebrations that followed sends out a very negative message to not only the Unionist community, but anyone who has been affected by IRA terrorism throughout the Troubles. It is particularly disappointing because the pro IRA chants which clearly glorify terrorism were being made by players who are so young and clearly have no thoughts or empathy for the victims of terrorism or the offence they would cause.
“The Ulster Unionist Party wishes to build a genuinely shared future which is underpinned by tolerance, respect and understanding. The sight of a young sports team celebrating the bloody deeds of the IRA after a sporting event is about as far away from tolerance, respect and understanding as it is possible to get.
“Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident. In July 2019 members of the Tyrone Men’s team were seen on social media hurling sectarian abuse at accordion bands in Aughnacloy and in September 2020 footage emerged of pro IRA chanting following Dungannon Clarkes’ success in the Tyrone County final. To this we can now add the shameful scenes from Armagh’s camogie success. This is totally unacceptable and disgraceful behaviour and presents the GAA with yet another example of how there is something sinister within the sport that goes far beyond a mere image problem.
“I genuinely hope the GAA authorities were listening and realise the need to take decisive action. There is little point in the GAA lining up alongside the football and rugby authorities to promote sport in Northern Ireland, trying to pretend all is well. The GAA need to stamp out the glorification of terrorism within their own sport, once and for all.”